What’s New at CBF’s Clagett Farm?

There’s exciting new growth at our regenerative farm in Maryland—and we don’t just mean the veggies!

For nearly 45 years, CBF has stewarded a 283-acre property in Upper Marlboro, Maryland called Clagett Farm. As a working, regenerative farm, Clagett has engaged thousands of farmers, land stewards, students, and regional leaders on environmentally conscious agriculture practices that both enhance soil health and help clean our waterways.

Our farm team manages livestock and grows certified organic produce year-round for nearly 250 members of our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and local Prince George’s County food banks.

This year, we’re excited to continue our community engagement and legacy of responsible land stewardship while also welcoming new team members, new produce, new trees, and of course, new baby animals. Check out what’s happening this year at CBF’s Clagett Farm and see how you can get involved as a volunteer, a CSA shareholder, or a guest at our Clagett Farm Open House on April 18!

Valerie DiMarzio/CBF staff

Spring Has Sprung

Despite March’s unpredictable weather, life is in bloom across the Chesapeake Bay watershed and at CBF’s Clagett Farm. This spring, the farm will welcome dozens of baby lambs and calves to its herds. The team is also gearing up to plant a broad swath of spring vegetables including varieties of tomatoes, peppers, greens, peas, zucchini, and more.

Clagett Farm is currently accepting new CSA shareholders to enjoy our 100 percent organic seasonal vegetables. Shareholders can pick up their weekly bounties on the farm or from CBF’s Annapolis headquarters, the Philip Merrill Environmental Center.

Implementing Best Practices

In addition to producing food, Clagett Farm is a regional leader in regenerative agriculture, farming holistically to improve water quality, build resilience, and fight climate change by working with nature, not against it.

Regenerative agriculture practices can include crop rotational, no-till farming, rotational grazing of livestock, and more. This year, we’re beefing up our resumé even further with a new 10-acre, 900-tree silvopasture project. Silvopasture is the integration of trees and grazing livestock that enhances herd health and farm productivity. Cows love shade, and so do our waterways. Established trees on a farm can cool down streams, sequester carbon, reduce nutrient runoff, and produce fodder for livestock.

Meet the Team

You may see some new faces on the farm this year! Or old faces in new roles. Whether you’re picking up your CSA shares or attending our open house—make sure you say hello to the amazing people who keep Clagett Farm such a successful and welcoming operation.

Thomas Arminio , Clagett Farm Program Manager

Valerie DiMarzio/CBF Staff

Thomas started as Clagett Farm’s program manager in February of this year. He comes to CBF with 18 years of experience in food systems, including eight years of farming. Thomas is excited to farm again in his new role—but is perhaps most excited to promote regenerative agriculture as a way to save the Bay. He believes farms are the center of culture and that healthy soil is key to thriving communities. Thomas grew up in New Jersey and has supported food systems nationally and globally in East Africa, New York, and most recently in Washington, D.C. At Clagett Farm, Thomas will oversee farm production, lead educational opportunities for farmers and policy leaders, work with volunteers, and more.

“This farm can be a great model to show the benefits of implementing regenerative agriculture.” —Thomas Arminio

Kayla Brennan, Senior Farm Crew

Valerie DiMarzio/CBF Staff

As a recent graduate of the Chesapeake Climate Conservation Corps program in 2023, Kayla got to learn every aspect of CBF’s restoration work—from trees to oysters and more. But of all the things she experienced, working at Clagett Farm was by far her favorite. For over a year, Kayla’s been working full time at the farm, supporting vegetable operations. She enjoys harvesting veggies, learning about crop rotations, and working with volunteers and CSA members. This spring, Kayla will be focusing on improving the farm’s perennial flower garden, which can help pollinators—including Clagett’s beloved bees!

“Farmers explore and adopt many different roles. They can be scientists, engineers, policy advocates, environmental stewards, and more.” —Kayla Brennan

Will Grinnell, Maryland Land Stewardship Coordinator

Valerie DiMarzio/CBF Staff

Will has been an integral part of CBF’s restoration and land stewardship operations since starting as an intern in 2020. He was initially focused on restoration and tree planting. But when the pandemic meant fewer volunteer events, he started helping Clagett’s vegetable production team. Now, he manages Clagett’s tree nursery. The thousands of trees that Will grows each year are planted across the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed. Will sees trees as a clear and tangible way that farming can lead to cleaner air and waterways.

“The term ‘farmer’ has been too exclusive. Anyone can be a farmer, not just landowners.” —Will Grinnell

Olivia Murphy, Assistant Vegetable Program Manager

Valerie DiMarzion/CBF Staff

Anything the veggies need—Olivia is on it. They can often be found seeding the greenhouse, planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting produce. Olivia and the veggie team work together to have a successful vegetable harvest and to offer engaging opportunities for volunteers. They have over seven years of farming experience in the Washington, D.C. metro area, including working full-time at Clagett for the past four years. They’re extremely passionate about CSA programs and making them more accessible and convenient for people. Fun fact: Olivia and their partner are both farmers in Upper Marlboro!

“The great thing about this farm is how close it is to people. Although there’s a lot of development here, we know this farm will always be protected.” —Olivia Murphy

Alex Outten, Livestock Program Manager

Valeri DiMarzio/CBF Staff

For eight years Alex has been tending to the animals at Clagett Farm. He currently manages about 35 cows and 30 sheep, with dozens of babies on the way. Raised on a small homestead, Alex wanted nothing to do with farming growing up. But he started as a seasonal employee at CBF in 2018 and almost immediately transitioned to full time. Despite managing livestock as a career, Alex also has pet ducks and chickens. His favorite Clagett Farm products are meat and honey.

“The best and worst parts of this job are the babies. They can be amazing sometimes and extremely challenging other times.” —Alex Outten

Elizabeth Snyder, Vegetable Program Manager

Valerie DiMarzio/CBF Staff

This is Elizabeth’s sixth season farming, and her second at Clagett Farm where she’s recently transitioned to the new role of vegetable program manager. While Elizabeth was previously growing veggies on smaller farms in Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties, she says the goals are the same—healthy soil and effective production. In her role at Clagett Farm, Elizabeth focuses on large-scale vegetable production, crop planning, and fulfilling the weekly CSA sales. Elizabeth’s favorite Clagett vegetable is the winter squash for its versatility. She enjoys cooking vegan dishes and has two cats.

“Farming is too hard not to love it.” —Elizabeth Snyder